We went up July 17, took New Army up/back. Great time. Noticed the sign in books were all full. SO, we went back 8/21 and did it again. Brought new sign in book (blue spiral in ziplock). Weather was great! Didn't have any snow to cross on New Army. We went down Old Army. Most of the snow had melted since July, but there was a dicey 50' section near the mid section of bowl (the start of where the trail crosses the bowl, to the switchbacks up the south wall). Lots of people (backpackers) were going up it without crampons/ice axes. Going down, it could get dicey in that section though. Don't recommend it without at least microspikes/yaktrax and something to self arrest. Not sure how long it will be safe. Great time though, beautiful area! We'll be back. If taking Old Army, be safe. New Army is a nice safe route. Have fun!

This 22 (or was it 23?) mile r/t ascent was likely our longest, most grueling day hike ever, not to mention the endless final 3 miles. Fortunately, the views were fantastic, weather good and a two seater buzzed us a few times. A nice introduction to CA high points.

I can only agree and we where in over our heads. We saw a young couple with their two dogs that went up the old army pass trail without crampons or ice axes. And we noticed quite a few skid marks from them in the soft snow when we attempted to go back down late in the evening.

When did you summit Friday or Saturday? If Saturday then we must have passed each other on the trail somewhere.

That is some kind of ice climb! When I was there on July 22, 2011 there was only one set of tracks in the snow from bottom of Old Army Pass to the top. I am not surprised one of your party almost fell, you have to really be experienced to climb that chunk of ice. I don't think the old army pass will be free of snow until Spetember or perhaps not at all passable without an ice climb this year. Regular hikers like myself need to stay off Old Army and use New Army for the summit trek. It's a great hike.

Camped at Lake 5 Friday with three friends. Went up the steep chute the following morning which took us approximately 3 1/2 hours. Reached the Langley summit at 3.30 PM. Spent a couple of hours at the summit. The Old Army Pass trail seemed to difficult to descent in the dark, so we headed over to New Army Pass, but decided to spend the night at the Pass and then head out in the morning.

One of the most challenging and best hikes sofare! Personally I would not recommend the chute to anyone unless you are very experienced with ice axe and crampons(67 degree (average)) self-arrest is not a possibility. One of our team members had a close call and almost fell down the chute. Should I ever do this route again then I would bring ice tools

The round trip from the parking lot to lake five over Old Army Pass to Langley and back down New Army Pass to the parking lot was 26 miles

Hiked Mt langely on July 22, 2011. Old Army pass is snowed in, it won't open until September if at all. Took New Army pass to the summit, 13 hours round trip and I am in good shape. This is a stressful hike. Spectacular views at first lake 4 miles into the hike.

@dmasten and I climbed Langley via NAP this past weekend. A bit of snow made finding the trail tricky in spots, but overall the climb wasn't too bad. We had tried via OAP three weeks ago and we unsuccessful. This was my first 14er and it was awesome!

A bit crowded, had to do the alternate route of entering the wilderness via Cottonwood Pass. Camped at the west end of New Army Pass trail. Made the summit on day two shortly after lunch. Smoke from a forest fire made the descent less pleasant. Day three, returned the same way I came.

Although we were prepared for snow and ice, the conditions on New Army, Army, and Winter Passes were beyond our ability. Nevertheless, the hiking and camping in the Cottonwood Lakes area was excellent.